CHOLINESTERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Cholinesterase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the nervous system by catalyzing the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is essential for transmitting nerve signals across synapses, allowing for smooth muscle contractions, regulation of heart rate, memory formation, and other vital neurochemical activities.
Cholinesterase is primarily found in nerve endings, particularly at synapses, where it works to rapidly break down acetylcholine molecules after they have transmitted a nerve impulse. This breakdown process, known as hydrolysis, is necessary to terminate the action of acetylcholine, preventing overstimulation of the postsynaptic neuron and ensuring proper neurotransmitter concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
There are two main types of cholinesterase: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). AChE is predominantly located in the central nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, and some peripheral tissues, while BuChE is found in plasma and a variety of non-neuronal tissues. Both forms perform similar functions, but they differ in their specific anatomical and physiological distribution.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are a class of drugs that work by blocking the action of cholinesterase, thereby increasing the levels of acetylcholine in synapses. These drugs are commonly used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other memory-related disorders, as well as in certain cases of myasthenia gravis and glaucoma. Understanding the role and function of cholinesterase is crucial for developing targeted therapies and interventions aimed at regulating acetylcholine levels in the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for CHOLINESTERASE
- xholinesterase
- vholinesterase
- fholinesterase
- dholinesterase
- cgolinesterase
- cbolinesterase
- cnolinesterase
- cjolinesterase
- cuolinesterase
- cyolinesterase
- chilinesterase
- chklinesterase
- chllinesterase
- chplinesterase
- ch0linesterase
- ch9linesterase
- chokinesterase
- chopinesterase
- chooinesterase
- cholinersterase
- cholineesterase
- colinesterase
- Cholienesterase
Etymology of CHOLINESTERASE
The word "cholinesterase" is derived from the combination of two terms: "choline" and "esterase".
- "Choline" is derived from the Greek word "kholē" meaning "bile", as it was first isolated from bile in 1864. The term "choline" was coined by the German chemist Oscar Liebreich.
- "Esterase" is derived from the suffix "-ase", which designates an enzyme, and the word "ester". The term "ester" is derived from "ether", and it refers to a chemical compound formed by the reaction of an acid (usually organic) with an alcohol, resulting in the formation of water and an ester.
Overall, the word "cholinesterase" refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by breaking it down into choline and acetic acid.
Similar spelling word for CHOLINESTERASE
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